These are the most common scenarios we hear about from seniors and their families. Each guide gives you a direct verdict — not a hedge — along with exactly what to do and what the scammer is trying to accomplish.
The IRS contacts taxpayers by mail first — never by phone to demand immediate payment. Threats of arrest, deportation, or legal action are hallmarks of this scam.
Social Security numbers cannot be suspended. Any call claiming your SSN is being deactivated due to suspicious activity is fraud — the SSA will never threaten you by phone.
Microsoft does not monitor individual computers for viruses and will never call you unsolicited. No verification needed — any such call is a scam, every time.
Medicare contacts beneficiaries by mail, not by phone. Any call asking for your Medicare number, bank details, or payment is fraud — Medicare never calls for that information.
Amazon is the #1 most-impersonated business in America. They do not call customers about unauthorized charges. If they want computer access or gift card payment, it's a scam.
Friendly wrong-number texts that quickly become personal conversations are a known setup for romance and investment scams. The relationship is real; the investment platform is fraud.